Daniel John Martin @ Claypath Deli, Durham - Nov. 9

Daniel John Martin (violin, vocals, whistling) with Swing Manouche - Mick Shoulder (guitar); Dave Smith (rhythm guitar); Paul Grainger (double bass) + Giles Strong (guitar)

The return of 'DJM', as Daniel John Martin is known, is a cause for celebration. Twenty four hours earlier, DJM joined Mick Shoulder's Swing Manouche for a gig in Barnard Castle, this evening (Thursday) the second of three gigs in the region attracted a select audience to Claypath Deli in Durham. Continental beers (it ain't a real ale emporium), pizzas the size of dustbin lids, a chilled ambience, it had all the makings of a memorable night. 

DJM's casual air could deceive the casual listener. Those who had yet to encounter the Paris based violinist were in for a pleasant surprise. They were in the presence of a true virtuoso. Harry Archer's I Love You opened the show. Quite simply, magnificent! Technique in abundance, swagger, swing, DJM has got it all. An engaging character, the evening's star attraction happily afforded space to his fellow musicians: Mick Shoulder, sharing the soloist's workload with DJM, Dave Smith, right on the money as the rhythmic anchor, likewise, Swing Manouche's string bassist, Paul Grainger.

Django Reinhardt's Dinette (DJM singing one verse), bassist Grainger soloing effectively on Djangology, the Gershwins' Oh, Lady Be Good! - the world's finest concert halls could/should accommodate this stuff yet here we were on Claypath with a beer and pizza. 

DJM singing It Had to Be You (marvellous), Reinhardt's Troublant Bolero, it was time to invite the evening's guest to join the party. DJM asked Giles Strong what he'd like to play. Guitarist Strong replied: You play something, I'll just join in. And so he did,. The Sheik of Araby the tune. How do they do it?! 

Isham Jones' I'll See You in My Dreams, lyrical, gently swinging, it was almost time to go, but not before the Reinhardt/Grappelli favourite, Oriental Shuffle. It had been a fabulous evening. The following day there would be one further opportunity to catch DJM and Swing Manouche in the historic surroundings of Auckland Castle.          

 

Set list: I Love You; The Anniversary Song; Dinette (vocal); Djangology; Danse Norvegienne (Norwegian Dance); Oh, Lady Be Good!; Douce Ambiance; Coquette; It Had to be You (vocal); Troublant Bolero; The Sheik of Araby; I'll See You in my Dreams; Oriental Shuffle. Russell